The metro is all set to reduce the burden of the Mumbai local trains. The 11.07 km-long Versova - Andheri - Ghatkopar metro rail will run every three minutes during peak hours, a Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) official told dna.

The metro will officially be open to the public in September, this year according to the MMRDA.

"Initially when the metro rail is opened for public use, the frequency will be three and a half minutes, which will be reduced to just three minutes during peak hours, later," the official said.

In all there are 12 stations along the metro corridor, namely:

Versova

D. N. Nagar

Azad Nagar

Andheri

Western Express Highway

Chakala

Airport Road

Marol Naka

Saki Naka

Subhash Nagar

Asalpha Road

Ghatkopar

All the stations that are under construction have ample facilities for the physically challenged like elevators, escalators and passenger announcement systems.

Another feature of Mumbai's first metro is that the Chinese-made coaches are fire retardant.

Commuters will be able to buy single or multiple-ride tickets as per their convenience. They can also choose the option to purchase a stored value ticket (also called smart card). For tourists a special tourist ticket will be made available.

Passengers can use plastic magnetic tokens and contact less smart cards just like there are on the Delhi Metro.